August to be hotter than average

Meteorologists are warning that high temperatures are expected to continue across the country into the early part of August. Temperatures in Prague should reach 31 degrees on Monday. Tuesday should be even warmer and could climb to 37 degrees in Moravia. The tropical weather should last until the weekend, with occasional thunderstorms.

“The warm weather will continue at the beginning of August, and a high temperature warning will be in effect for the next few days,” the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) said.

According to a long-term forecast, August should be above average, with some cooling off in the week of Aug. 14 to 20. Precipitation levels are not expected to be out of the ordinary.

People should reduce body stress in the heat and avoid staying in direct sunlight, especially at noon and in the afternoon. Children, the elderly and the sick should be particularly careful of too much stress in high temperatures. Children or animals should not stay in parked cars, as temperatures can rise inside rapidly. Dogs are especially vulnerable to the heat and need plenty of water.

Experts also recommended drinking more unsweetened, non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages. You should not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar can cause you to lose more body fluid. Very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.

Sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. If you exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

You should also protect yourself with sun blocking creams, sunglasses, and head coverings while staying in direct sunlight. When using an air conditioner, the difference between the outside temperature and the air-conditioned environment should be around 5 degrees Celsius.

People with medical conditions should consult with a qualified doctor about how to deal with high temperatures.